Gentleman's Refinery After Shave Balm

Price: I would rate it lower, but I rated it high due to personal preference. If something is quality, then I have no problem paying extra for it.

Quality: To me, this is the benchmark. This is the ASB by which all others should be measured. It is uniform in appearance, not too heavy and not too light.

Fights Razor Burn: This is really where this product earns its keep. I had just finished shaving with my 38c loaded with a feather. Keep in mind that I had not shaved for about seven days and I did not have all of the products I use for my prep. Long story short, there were a lot of bumps and a lot of weepers.

As soon as I applied the product, I expected my face to let out a big burp as it absorbed it (more like slurped it up) so fast. The burn was gone just as fast. I mean immediately. Also, the face sensitivity associated with a bad shave was gone as well. My face felt great save for the noticeable reminders of a bad shave.

Cooling Sensation: I rated this low because I did not feel any "cooling" effects as compared to something that is a little more mentholated. It fought the burn, but not with "cooling" relief.

Scent: Very nice. Very subtle, very clean. I read the ingredients. The scent that I smelt the most was a light cedar scent that lingered (in a good way) for about 5 minutes. That is not one of the ingredients, but that is what it smelled like to me.

Efficacy: Again, it does what it is supposed to do. I marked it down a notch, because it didn't really put the weepers to bed as some other products do. However, I think that may be a good thing in this case because this product produces the desired effect without blocking the pores.

Moisturizing: Excellent. I did not give it a 10, because I had to apply a second pass to get cover everything. Again, your face will literally suck this stuff right in.

No alcohol Burn: No burn whatsoever.

Not a bad product, but it's way overpriced for what it is.

And a bit overrated if you ask me; heck, Nivea, l'Oreal, AV Ice Balm or RSC balm are better in my opinion



Meh...

This is my favorite AS; even if I'm using a different balm I'll often mix in a half-pump or so of this stuff just to help the lesser product out.

One note: to get a little to go a long way you need to have a wet face

The only thing I'm not sure I like is the scent. The actual smell is nice, but quite mild--when it's time to order a refill I might go for the unscented. Either way it's not a black-mark, and overall this stuff is great!

I bought a sample back for about $10 and tried out everything. WOW. I am speechless. It's pricey but it's supposed to last a year. It's works amazingly well. Pretty as a damn princess. It leaves no shine (which I like most of all) and no matter how much a scraped on my mug it stood up to the damage.

Here is my resolution: Every year when I take in my collection of loose change to the bank and they run it through the machine and give me the cash and my loose buttons back-instead of going to the liquor store I think I will buy a tube of this. I know that's crazy but I just might do it. This way I feel more like I FOUND the tube than BOUGHT the tube.

I'm apparently one of the few that's unhappy with this stuff. I actually stopped using it today. Maybe it's my face but it leaves me shiny and greasy. After I apply it I can feel it on my face, and it even makes me sweat a little on my upper lip.

By unscented I'm assuming that means they don't add any scent, and that seems to be what I got. You can't make anything with multiple ingredients and have no smell at all.

This is the best. I am sold and will never turn away. I bought this with a great deal at makeup.com along with the preshave oil and shave cream...so glad I did...Im not sure I can find anything better. Leaves your skin feeling perfect and the wife liked it too...A LOT

This AS is fairly impressive. It goes on very nicely, sinks in quickly, and moisturizes like nothing else. That being said, for me it didn't really do anything significant for the razor burn. I find that if I use proraso pre/post and let my face air dry, then apply this AS it works very well. The proraso does the dirty work, and the TGR takes care of the rest.

You must have this in the den!! Great quality product that I'm just glad it exists. It's my go to after a rough shave. It stave's off razor burn like nothing else. Expensive? Yes, but it'll last you a long time and thus is worth the initial buy in price.

Lofty praise I know but allow me to explain.

I tested this product for 5 days straight and was mightily impressed. My skin felt like silk every time after using it and I could not think of one negative to that could be attributed to it. More on it to follow.

Not being sure that what I was experiencing was not related to other things I did a rotation with all of my other trusted products to make an objective comparison. Top quality shaves followed by the following products. They included Trumper's Skin food, Nivea ASB, Nautica ASB, Thayer's Witchhazel w/aloe, pure rose hip oil, Penhaligon's ASB, Clinique Dramatically different Moisterizer, Old Spice aftershave and my all time favorite Hydrolast aftershave conditioner. All great product's to be sure, each with their own strengths.

Here is what I found. None of them hold a candle to the GR Balm. I mean it wasn't even close. GR is a runny, milky product that from the GR Site is described as an all natural product that has an exotic blend of raw materials (List at end of post). Regardless of what's in it, when applied it is magical. Although is is spendy $40 for 100 ml. A little goes a long, long way. After a cold rinse, with face still wet I applied 1/2 a dime size puddle from my sampler bottle, and that's all it takes.

It is instantly and completely absorbed into the skin, like pouring water in a sponge. After application you wonder if you even did anything. It would be easy to over use this as in a trial I reused the stuff 3 times with the same results. Each time it totally disappeared, but the end result was the same with a little or alot. The product I used was the unscented version (Fresh clean scent) and all traces of any scent were gone in five minutes. It does not leave the skin feeling sticky, taught, glossy or heavy like many products. It has zero sting, but leaves it feeling revitalized and tingly fresh. But the true magic of this was in the final result. My face felt like silk. Within five minutes it felt like a baby's but with a fresh coat of Baby Powder. I found myself constantly touching it just to feel the results.

I realize this review gives very high praise, but in 35 years of shaving I have never come across a product that delivers the goods like this one. My sample is gone now and I ordered some up. It will be very hard for me to go back to my standbys.

The company is giving free samples so I unreservedly recommend that everyone give them a try. I cannot imagine anyone not falling in love with this stuff. I do NOT believe that YMMV

ingredient list from the Gentleman's Refinery Website

UnScented After Shave Balm Ingredients:

Allantoin
Arginine
*Buxus chinensis (Jojoba) oil
Sodium PCA
*Butyrospermum parkii (Shea butter) extract
Lactic acid, sodium lactate
Distilled water
Olea europaea (Olive) oil unsaponifiables
Octyl dodecyl stearate – natural fatty acid
Bio Plex NMF = Natural Moisturizing Factors, Urea; cetyl alcohol; collagen amino acids
Glycerin
Glyceryl stearate
Stearic acid
Xantham gum
Acacia gum
* = Certified Organic features

Allantoin is an extract of the comfrey plant and is used for its healing, soothing, and anti-irritating properties. Allantoin is a valuable cell-proliferating healing agent which stimulates healthy tissue formation. Allantoin has a pronounced keratolytic and skin softening action, acts as chemical debrider of necrotic and scaling tissue, cleansing up the areas where applied.

L-Arginine is a natural basic amino acid which will hold moisture in the skin.

Shea butter - The presence of fatty acids and vitamins in Shea butter favor quick skin healing and sun protection. Shea butter contains cinnamic acid, which protects the skin against the harmful UV rays of the sun. Shea butter has been known to work well against stretch marks. Shea butter benefits those suffering dry skin, dermatitis and sunburn. Since shea butter is well tolerated by the skin, it usually does not trigger off any allergic reactions. This makes it ideal for use by persons with sensitive skin. The Vitamins A and E found in Shea butter help in keeping the skin supple and healthy. It also prevents premature wrinkles and facial lines. Vitamin F works as a rejuvenator. Rough and chapped skin is soothed and healed. Shea butter penetrates the skin easily and does not clog the pores.

Jojobaa oil - Jojoba oil helps promote healing of the skin in many ways. It has antimicrobial properties, which means it actually discourages the growth of some bacterial and fungal microbes that attack the skin. In addition, the chemical composition of jojoba closely resembles that of the skin’s natural sebum, so it is easily absorbed and rarely causes allergic reactions, even in the most sensitive individuals. Jojoba oil is actually composed of liquid wax esters rather than oil. The body’s natural sebum also contains wax esters, which act as a sort of natural moisturizer and environmental barrier for the skin. However, wax ester production steadily decreases with age, causing the skin to appear dull and emphasizing wrinkles; a reduced ester content in the skin can also lead to the development of conditions such as psoriasis, dandruff, and rosacea. Jojoba oil can prevent the skin from becoming too oily. Because the structure of jojoba oil so closely resembles natural sebum, it can actually trick the skin into producing less natural sebum, which, unlike jojoba, can clog pores. Jojoba oil may help treat acne, both by reducing sebum production and by protecting the skin from harmful bacteria. Jojoba oil contains many important nutrients, such as vitamin E, B complex vitamins, and the minerals silicon, chromium, copper, and zinc. It also contains a lot of iodine, which may be where jojoba gets its ability to fight against bacterial and fungal infection. In addition to acne, jojoba has traditionally been used to treat canker sores, cold sores, athlete’s foot, and warts.

Olive oil unsaponifiables provide both the emollient squalane and phytosterols which aid in skin health and repair.

Octyl dodecyl stearate is an elegant emollient that leaves the skin feeling like silk. This ingredient is an ester formed by the reaction between a fatty acid and a fatty alcohol which are both found in natural oils.

Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF) are a group of water soluble compounds that are part of the intercellular matrix where they loosely bind and hold water in the skin. Soaking in the tub, showering and hand washing will wash away the NMF but can be replaced when added to a lotion which is applied to the skin.
One of the primary elements in keeping skin healthy is making sure the structure of the epidermis (outer layer of skin) is intact. That structure is defined and created by skin cells that are held together by the intercellular matrix. The intercellular matrix is the 'glue' or 'mortar' between skin cells that keep them together. It helps prevent individual skin cells from losing water and creates the smooth, non-flaky appearance of healthy, intact skin. The components that do this are often called natural moisturizing factors (NMFs) or ingredients that mimic the structure and function of healthy skin. While the oil and fat components of skin prevent evaporation and provide lubrication to the surface of skin, it is actually the intercellular matrix along with the skin's lipid content that gives skin a good deal of its surface texture and feel.
The intercellular matrix is the skin’s first line of defense against water loss. When the lipid and NMF content of skin is reduced, we experience surface roughness, flaking, fine lines, and a tight, uncomfortable feeling. The longer the skin’s surface layer (stratum corneum) is impaired, the less effective the skin’s intercellular matrix becomes (Sources: Skin Research and Technology, August 2000, pages 128–134; and Dermatologic Therapy, Volume 17, Supplement 1, 2004, pages 43-48). Moreover, the skin's healing process is impaired. NMFs make up an expansive group of ingredients that include amino acids, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, cholesterol, fatty acids, triglycerides, phospholipids, glycosphingolipids, urea, linoleic acid, glycosaminoglycans, glycerin, mucopolysaccharide, and sodium PCA (pyrrolidone carboxylic acid). Ingredients that mimic the lipid content of skin are apricot oil, canola oil, coconut oil, corn oil, jojoba oil, jojoba wax, lanolin, lecithin, olive oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, shea butter, soybean oil, squalane, and sweet almond oil, which can all be extremely helpful for making dry skin look and feel better.
All of the skin's supporting NMFs and lipids are present in the intercellular structure of the epidermis, both between skin cells and in the lipid content on the surface of skin. When any of these ingredients are used in skin-care products, they appear to help stabilize and maintain this complex intercellular-skin matrix. Although none of these very good NMFs and lipids can permanently affect or change skin, they are great at temporarily keeping depleted skin from feeling dry and uncomfortable. More important, all of these ingredients, and many more, can help support the intercellular area of the skin by keeping it intact. This support helps prevent surface irritation from penetrating deeper into the skin, works to keep bacteria out, and aids the skin's immune/healing system. Selecting moisturizers of any kind with NMFs (whether they are labeled as being antiaging, antiwrinkle, serums, lotions, or sunscreens) allows your skin to do its job of repairing and regenerating itself without the impedances brought on when skin is suffering from dryness and excess irritation.

Mild preservatives are used that do not form formaldehyde and are not parabens.

I completely agree with this review. What's interesting is that the reviewer has 35 years of wet-shaving under his belt. I'm a newborn babe by comparison yet both of us have had the same experience with this stuff. It genuinely is magical -- the balm simply disappears into your skin leaving it soothed & moisturized. Doesn't leave a trace of itself behind and your skin feels amazing afterwards. How do they do that!?

I have the standard scent version. The scent is very gentle - reminds me of an old-time barbershop. (Although I've never really been in an old-fashioned barbershop, this is immediately the image that came to mind upon my first whiff of the stuff. Go figure.) The scent doesn't cling -- I almost wish it did!

I truly believe you can't go wrong with this product. It's expensive, yes, but a little goes a LONG way. My bottle should last me close to a year. For once, you unquestionably DO get what you pay for! Highly recommended!!

This stuff is absolutely amazing. As a newbie, I have been trying to find the very "best of the best" for my face. Along this search, I have come across many fantastic creams (Nancy Boy, T&H 1805, TOBS Avocado, TOBS Almond, Trumper's Coconut.....you get the point ). I have also come across this fantastic aftershave balm. It is very moisturizing, and as the others mentioned, does not leave the face greasy. It seeps into the skin and completey gets rid of any razor burn I experience. Fantastic stuff. Worth every penny and as the others mentioned, a little goes a long way. It is expensive, but I still gave it a 10 because of the value. A bottle will probably last me around a year.

I have also been wetshaving a long time (26 years) and agree with most of the previous comments with the exception of a few. Firstly the things I disagree with. I did not find it had much of an appreciable effect on any razor burn and I also found that I didn't care for the smell too much although this does not linger at all. You can't smell it once it has been applied.
What it does do is leave your face feeling fantastic. As has been said it is instantly absorbed and is the best product I have used for skin care. Any tightness or dryness is removed by applying this balm but there is no greasy residue at all, just silky smooth skin. It is very expensive but should last a long time and is a great example of getting what you pay for. Whatever you do, don't buy it for its scent or "calming" effect but if you want your skin to look and feel the best post shave then this is the product to buy. There are better products for combating razor burn IMHO.

While many (myself included) were quite disappointed with the discontinuation of D.R. Harris' original formula of Aftershave Milk a year or two ago, I'm pleased to say i've found a replacement.... a much better replacement that is. "The Standard After Shave Balm" formulated by Perry Gastis and his team at The Gentlemens Refinery is truly a "best of breed" product. Not only does it work beautifully by fighting razor burn and irritation, but it smells nice, absorbs very quickly into your skin, leaves your face perfectly moisturized/toned - and the handy dispenser makes this stuff incredibly easy to use.

This balm is moisturizing enough for those with dry skin in the winter - yet absorbs so effectively and without an oily residue, it can also be used by those with oily skin, or during the summer. This balm is surprisingly well rounded, and should be a good fit for well... just about anyone.

With the exceptional product, the handy pump top that delivers the perfect, conservative dose time and time again - and the quality ingredients, they've really hit a home run with this product. I'm pretty nit-picky, but frankly, there's just nothing critical I can say about the product and its efficacy. More on that in a bit...

First - the packaging. Exceptionally classy, and certainly among the fanciest you'll find out there for mens grooming products. This balm comes in a black box, with a red interior sporting a "Barbers Tip" as you open the box. A bit pointless as the barbers tips are a little cheezy, and the box is merely going to be pitched - but hey, nice little touches are always appreciated and it adds to the "experience." Before we pitch the box however, lets take a look see....







Top opened....


Barbers tip close up....


So as previously stated - this after shave balm comes in a nifty, and exceptionally ridged pump topped canister. While it certainly doesn't look like a traditional tube/jar/bottle of after shave, it is incredibly well built and looks/feels very nice in person. Actually... I think this is the first time i've mentioned, or noticed the "quality feeling" of a products packaging. In any event - it's extremely well built, and its quite clear no corners were cut...




Pump Top....


Alright - now that we've gotten the packaging out of the way - let's get to the most important part - the juice.

1.) Consistency - This product is more of a "milk" than a "balm" and has nearly the identical consistency of the previous iteration of D.R. Harris' A/S milk. Very light and spreads quickly, and evenly on ones face, with zero tackiness.

2.) Scent - a very light rose/sandalwood like scent with some hints of citrus. While it is quite pleasant, it is light, and fades away in a few minutes - which is appreciated.

3.) Ingredients - as posted above (in the pictures showing the outside of the box) are simply first rate. While most high quality after shaves are expensive, typically you don't get what you pay for. With this product however, this is not the case. Loaded with rich butters, extracts fatty alcohols (the good alcohols) and oils, these ingredients aren't cheap, and surpass anything else i've seen/experienced on the market.

4.) Efficacy - as stated, it is my opinion this is simply the best stuff out there. Even the mighty good after shave balm from CAR/Enchante is served a heathy plate of comeuppance. This stuff just plumb works... and really well. Fights razor burn/irritations, moisturizes beautifully, absorbs remarkably fast, tones your skin, and smells nice... what more can you ask for?

Price - Not cheap. $40 for a 100ml tube/canister. Now, before you clutch your chest and scurry for the nitro tabs, keep 4 things in mind.

#1 - As previously mentioned, this balm comes with a handy pump top. Now, because it delivers the perfect amount of product each time (which is a pretty conservative amount) a bottle of this stuff goes a long way. I've been using this after shave exclusively for several months, and have barely made a dent on the bottle. I'd estimate this bottle to last about a year... maybe even longer.

One press from the pump top applied to the palm of my hand....


#2 - The price of this product is right in line with it's peers. In fact, per oz, its much less expensive than CAR/Hydrolast, and right in line with the new DR Harris A/S Milk - yet is markedly superior, and requires less product.

#3 - It's made with superior (and as a result more costly) ingredients. Keep in mind, it also has better packaging (which affects cost) and is just plumb more efficacious than the competition.

#4 - Products purchased from The Gentlemens Refinery are shipped for free - so the price of shipping is built into the products. Add shipping into the price of a single balm (an additional $5-6) and all of the sudden that "heart clenching" price becomes pretty darn reasonable.

This balm gets two big thumbs up from me, and has secured itself as my favorite after shave. In my opinion, it's a must have - and I highly recommend it for gentlemen of all skin types. I'm hooked!

I purchased this balm out of desparation. I suffered from what looked like folliculitis. I would shave one day and the next day certain hairs on my face would be covered with a pus-like substance, around the hair follicle. Plus, I'd have irritation. It was just a pain to deal with. So, I purchased this balm, and I must say this has taken care of my problem areas. The only other balm I find to do this for me is T&H's 1805. I'm really please with TGR balm. It smells great, provides good moisturizing, and most important to me, stops any irritation and folliculitis that used to occur after every shave! I definitely recommend this and will continue to buy in the future.

Truly wonderful, in fact amazing, product!

It now has a permanent place in my aftershave rotation, along with CAR's peppermint and Proraso pre/post. I love the cooling menthol and peppermint effect, so this product cannot stand alone for me.

The moisturizing is second to none...and not a hint of greasiness. Razor burn just disappears. Very soothing. Like nothing else I've tried.

The scent is not my favorite. I'm not a rose fan, but no matter... because it doesn't last past 10 minutes or so. Next time I'll try the unscented version.

Yes, give it a try...you won't be sorry!

Jim

This is an excellent aftershave balm. I don't care for the scent of the 'Standard,' but the 'Unscented' is great. It works wonders on razor burn and I don't know if my skin's ever felt so nourished. Only problem is, in Texas heat it's too much. My face becomes shiny and greasy very very quickly with this stuff. Now I either use it at night or just on my neck during the day. Once colder, dryer weather returns it should be alright to wear all over.

Great stuff, worth a try especially if you are prone to dry skin.

FYI, the GR's customer service is second to none.

This stuff is amazing. I quit using CAR AS once I found this stuff. Im quite fortunate as I live right near the GR's home base here in Vegas so its easy to get. Plus the GR has their own Barber shop opening at the Venetian out here, which is pretty cool. The only complaint I have is that the pump shoots out the fluid all over the place, its quite runny so even when I cup my hand and pump from a distance, it shoots everywhere. Its not from a blockage or anything, just does it from how runny it is I guess, overall, worth every penny. I cheaper way to buy it is to just order the travel size bottle for $20 bucks if $40 is too costly for you.

Tried their free sample today. This is some good aftershave balm. Soaks in almost immediately, leaves skin silky smooth. Expensive, but I may have to order some.

Edit: Okay, I had to come back and revise this review. When I first reviewed this product, I had just recently shaved and used it for the first time. Now that it has been on my face for a few hours, I am even more impressed. My face has never felt so soft and silky. You really owe it to yourself to try this stuff.

Well no more experimenting with aftershaves for me. The hype is 4 real... I would replace silky feel with natural moisturizing feel. If you like to faceturbate than this will have you faceturbating all day long. Couple this with the moisturizer to double the effect.

Amazing stuff. It's pricey, but you don't need to use much. I've had it for a couple of months and I haven't seem to have made a dent in the bottle. It should last six months, easily. One pump will take care of your entire face. Packaging is top notch, the scent doesn't hang around, it does an incredible job on your skin, and it looks good in the cupboard. The dispenser will sometimes clog a little, however.